My 1st PT 69 Camaro vert build

[NOT A TA]

I've been around a long time and although I work on a lot of cars I've never built a PT 69 Camaro. I know there's boatloads of them on this forum but it's a first for me. I own a real 67 RS SS vert myself I haven't been able to bring myself to take too far from stock so it's going to be fun building this one for another member here.

The car is a rescue from a shop that wasn't making progress as quickly as the owner wanted and so it was pulled and I'm doing most of the assembly at the owners home. For those of you who've had troubles in shops you can imagine it's comforting to look in your garage and see steady progress. Building at an owners home presents it's own challenges. A lot of the work I do at my home shop or the machine shop I work out of sometimes. Then I take the parts back to the owners home for install.

So at this point the car is torn down and some of the work that was done by the shop will remain while some has been altered. Rather than give a list of what the car is getting I'm just going to post what I'm working on at the time. so without much more jabber, here's some pics!

1st up, the car as returned to the owner by the shop. Some other parts are not pictured and some are MIA.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/007-1.jpg

Very carefully took the car off the dolly wheel stand after noticing a broken weld. Pulled the leg off with ease by hand, luckily the car didn't crash to the floor at some point.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/009-1.jpg

The previous shop had the subframe blasted and painted. A change in plans now calls for the shock towers to be removed for a DSE level 3 front coil over setup. So off they come!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0031-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0071-1.jpg

Ground down and the shock hole opened up for the coil overs.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0082-1.jpg

Some cutting and fab work to install the new upper mounts was done along with TIG and MIG welding to install the mounts and add reinforcement inside the frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/MVC026F-1.jpg

Any crappy factory welds were ground out and rewelded along with welding other areas to strengthen the frame.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/MVC025F-1.jpg

Next The lower control arm mounting holes were reinforced and the whole frame was stripped and smoothed for new paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/016-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0044-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0064-1.jpg

At last, time for paint!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0075-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/0085-1.jpg

[protour73]

OHHHH!! I thought it was done John!! LOL

Looking good so far!!

[PAI Racing]

Coming along nicely, love the rewelds on the factory gm splatter-bomb.

Oh and awesome avitar, Holmes!

[NOT A TA]

OHHHH!! I thought it was done John!! LOL

Looking good so far!!

Ahahaha got a loooong way to go! Figured I'd start small and do the frame.

[NOT A TA]

Coming along nicely, love the rewelds on the factory gm splatter-bomb.

Oh and awesome avitar, Holmes!

The factory welds were a bit questionable in the 60's! LOL So we ground most of them out and Tig'd and MIG'd them and added welds in areas where there weren't any. Aren't the factory welds in the pic below sooo nice?

Old hardcore BMXer, figured I'd use the S&M head tube sticker as an avatar awhile. My last race bike was a Challenger.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/MVC019F-1.jpg

[PAI Racing]

I'm working on a subframe for my 68 street car right now. I think I had a local 445 Friday afternoon special on the welds. Worst i've seen... I also have a next gen Holmes leaned up against on of the front frame horns... You've got good taste man!

[craigs73]

any progress on this john?

[NOT A TA]

any progress on this john?

As happens so often, scope creep occurred! The original plan was to put the car together to be used a while before new paint. That plan got tossed out the window and now it's become a complete makeover. The interior was removed, power top removed and the unibody stripped. while there was very little rust in the car it had been bumped here and there and some collision shop type bang it out and smooth it over type repairs had been done during it's life. So the owner decided to hang some new quarters and weld in some floor pan sections himself while I rebuilt the rear end with a more appropriate gear ratio.

So here's how it sits today. Quarters are on and floor sections replaced. Some finish welding/grinding and a bit of smoothing with the lead filler being used and the outside will be ready to prime. Some finish up grinding and cleaning in the trunk and underside will also be done before epoxy primer. Interior got the POR 15 treatment.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/MVC036F2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/MVC035F3-1.jpg

The car had a 12 bolt rear end in it that was probably swapped in. The 3.07 ratio that was in the rear wouldn't be good for the new engine/trans combo and a disc brake upgrade was in the plan so the rear was taken apart. I had noticed more than normal axle end play on one side when removing the rear from the car. At some point someone had it apart to replace the clutch packs for the posi unit. When they reassembled it one of the concave spider gear washers was not on the carrier cross pin so there was too much play and then the cross shaft as well as the spider gears were damaged when the car was driven.

Anyway the whole rear was rebuilt using a Ratech kit for the bearings and shims, Yukon spider parts, Richmond 3.73 gears, ARP ring gear bolts and wheel studs, with a Right Stuff 11"disc brake upgrade as the finishing touch.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/MVC027F1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/09/MVC028F2-1.jpg

[NOT A TA]

Rear is now installed riding on a DSE leaf spring setup with Koni's. We stripped the underside and the owner's been working like a madman on new metal and getting the car into some primer and paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/0017-1.jpg

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/0018-2.jpg

[Trans]

Yet another mustang wanabe!

[66larkgs]

Yet another mustang wanabe!

John, Great looking build!! keep up the hard work and the pictures comming
this guy insults everyone and should be kicked off this site.

[craigs73]

X2 he trolls the threads :troll:

[rlodad]

FWIW, I'm the "owner" (geez, makes me sound like such an ol' f@rt. I don't want to hijack John's thread, he's a great mechanic doing a great job so far, and putting up with my bodywork delays. Today is the day the engine arrives, though, and I couldn't hold back! ZZ383, Edelbrock airgap dual plane intake, Holley 750 with mechanical secondaries, ceramic coated headers and Pypes stainless dual exhaust with polished tips. The suspension is essentially done, so this will be inspiration to finish the paint and interior. Hopefully Mr. Number 14 car will take some pics.

[craigs73]

cool....johns a good guy.... and really knows his stuff

[NOT A TA]

ZZ 383 crate engine did arrive today! Along with a lot of the other parts I need to install it and get it running. The Suspension, Steering, and brakes are done. Body guy is still making a mess but I'll deal with it and crack the whip to keep him going.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/0098-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/00612-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/00412-1.jpg

[WS6]

That's a good solid choice for a motor. :twothumbs

Keep up the good work, John.

[LeighP]

Nice work, John!

[rlodad]

Good pics, John, but regarding the "whip" comment: As we both know, there's only one boss certified to carry a whip and use it in this household, and unlike us, she isn't banished to the garage! You want the taillight panel finished, talk to her!!!
;^)

[rlodad]

I"ll get on it...
:^)

[rlodad]

Trey,
Thanks for the comment on the motor. The shop that was to build the car bad mouthed everything crate motor, so I was a little nervous. They essentially told me that they would build the best motor out there, and I should just "trust them." I didn't. Do you have experience with the ZZ383? Any tips on building for power and reliability?

Finally, regarding your location: There's a liberal in Kansas? Who would have thought?

;^)

[NOT A TA]

So whats the first thing to do with a brand new engine? Strip it and paint it a different color! ahahaha My "Ace" in house painter (his house) shot it body color this afternoon.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00710-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0099-1.jpg

Here's what we have installed so far.
Rear quarters.
Tail panel
Rebuilt 12 bolt sitting on a DSE leaf spring setup.
New fuel tank and stainless 1 piece fuel line to engine compartment.
DSE steering box and all steering components.
Complete DSE level 3 coil over front suspension.
Original steering column painted and installed.
Gas, brake, clutch, pedals. (car was auto before)
Right Stuff master cylinder, prop valve, & power booster
Wilwood 4 piston front/right Stuff rear disc brakes.
Stainless brake line tubing.
Right stuff park brake lines.
DSE solid body mounts.

Since I remembered to get my camera out of my tool box I leave on the job and bring it home, here's some pics from this week. As you may have noticed in the pic above there's a Tremec and Pypes exhaust just waiting to be installed! So after the engine paint has dried hard it's drive line install time! There's a big pile of parts needed to get everything operational and we're expecting a serpentine belt kit next week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00413-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00314-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0019-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00511-1.jpg

[rlodad]

Thanks for the benefit of the doubt on the tail light panel! The serpentine kit is due Tuesday. Nice pics!

[NOT A TA]

Weekend update! Engine & trans are in place, started bolting on accessories. The boss couldn't stand the center bolt valve covers that come on the Vortec heads so they were the fist order of business and he wasted no time getting them swapped.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00216-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00614-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00911-2.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0107-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0115-1.jpg

[LUV2XLR8]

looks good John.... nice and clean!... Love the color.. :D

[rlodad]

Here I go hijacking John's thread again. Well, it is my car! Here's a pic of the ZZ383 after the install with a little better lighting. Amazing how easy it is to get the engine in when you have no sheet metal, radiator shroud or inner fender wells. Oh, and the right engine mounts- we fought with the wrong ones for a while (my fault), the correct ones bolted right up. Headers went right in. Paint matched well, I think.

[rlodad]

Oh, and add passenger's side door skin to the list.

[LSxChevelle]

I like how the plugs for the spark plugs match lol

[77tony]

Wonderful work and great color. 77tony

[NOT A TA]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00218-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/00316-1.jpg

[Brian - JCG]

Build is looking really good. Very nice work! Keep the updates coming..

[mdprovee]

Nice progress, I like the color.

[rlodad]

I am thrilled that everybody seems to like the color so much, and i wish I could take credit for mixing some fabulous "new blue." Unfortunately, I can't- it's PPG number 2083-
Yup- 1969 Chevrolet LeMans Blue.

I did spray it, though.

;^)

[rlodad]

Unfortunately, GM tells me the beast won't run without spark plugs, though, so the ugly white spark plugs will have to go in at some point. Maybe I'll save the blue plugs for shows?

;^)

[shane38]

paint the plugs blue might look cool....

great build too...
growing up my dad had a hard top 69 with that blue love it!!

Unfortunately, GM tells me the beast won't run without spark plugs, though, so the ugly white spark plugs will have to go in at some point. Maybe I'll save the blue plugs for shows?

;^)

[Rag-Rat]

What brand headers did you go with. I'm also running Fast Burn heads ?

[rlodad]

What brand headers did you go with. I'm also running Fast Burn heads ?
Dynatech:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dtc-740-21210/overview/year/1969/model/camaro

Nice product. Ceramic coated, perfect fit without mods ( no BFH usage). Nice finish. Using Pypes exhaust downstream of there.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Great looking car going with black or white for the interior?

[rlodad]

Questions:

1. Black
2. White
3. Both (Houndstooth)
4. Neither (Blue)

Answer? #4

I don't like the black original, with kids, the white gets dirty to easily.

Comments?

I am also planning on White top with glass rear window. I considered blue, but doesn't match paint and looks weird (IMHO).

Either white or champagne (light gold) ss hockey stripes.

Going for sleeper look, with 17" Rally Wheels, white letter tires and old school engine compartment (no LS, EFI, etc). Sorry if this is more Resto Mod than Protouring, but when you start in with completely new frames, larger rear wheels than fronts, 35 series rubber and custom diffusors it looks to me like the offspring of a 1980s Ferrari and something associated Rat Fink. All 1960s muscle car is lost. I want a 1969 Camaro that looks like a 1969 Camaro with subtle changes that you have to look for (if you can catch up...)

[rlodad]

Oh, and thanks for the compliment, though NOTATA deserves much of the credit. (Just don't tell him...)

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Could always go with a black with blue houndstooth.. For me the top would be the hardest choice but not blue for sure..

[rlodad]

I've never seen black with blue houndstooth, but I'm not a fan of houndstooth anyway. I like white tops better than black. Black just doesn't pop. I think blue would be nice if the same as the paint, but most are darker than LeMans blue. Here's a partial look with black top when we got it home from the shop that didn't do much originally:
69186

[NOT A TA]

We've been getting the engine accessories installed, hooking up gas/clutch linkages, exhaust etc. Now we're setting up the Vintage Air system. Here's a couple pics from this past weekend.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/02/005_zps2228cdd7-1.jpg

[NOT A TA]

The MSD box & coil are located under the dash to keep the engine compartment clean and the Vintage air lines have all been routed through the side of the cowl and inside the fender also to keep clutter to a minimum. We were able to modify most of the the VA lines and only needed to purchase a 6' #6 hardline and some firewall grommets etc. to make everything work. The car's also been rewired with a AAW kit.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/002_zps9c0cb61d-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/002_zps9c0cb61d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/003_zpsf69575b0-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/003_zpsf69575b0.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/001_zps211913ce-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/001_zps211913ce.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/003_zps8cd95138-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/003_zps8cd95138.jpg.html)

[rlodad]

The MSD box & coil are located under the dash to keep the engine compartment clean and the Vintage air lines have all been routed through the side of the cowl and inside the fender also to keep clutter to a minimum. We were able to modify most of the the VA lines and only needed to purchase a 6' #6 hardline and some firewall grommets etc. to make everything work. The car's also been rewired with a AAW kit.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/002_zps9c0cb61d-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/002_zps9c0cb61d.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/003_zpsf69575b0-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/003_zpsf69575b0.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/001_zps211913ce-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/001_zps211913ce.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/003_zps8cd95138-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/003_zps8cd95138.jpg.html)

For reasons the car just can't understand, the mean 'ol boss mechanic is still makin' 'er wear that ugly yellow dunce cap on top of 'er carburetor. What did she ever do to you? Is this payback for all the undercoating that had to be scrubbed off? One door and a dunce cap is no way to go through life, buddy!

;^)

[NOT A TA]

The car saw the light of day again finally when we took it out to fire it up for the first time. So now we're working on "the list" of all the little things like tucking wires, filling the AC system, getting ride height adjusted, greasing suspension etc. before it's off to paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/007_zps44371455-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/007_zps44371455.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/009_zpsf72b498c-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/009_zpsf72b498c.jpg.html)

[rlodad]

Right. Saw the light of day. For 36 seconds before the car gods opened the sky and dumped water on our topless vert. Pushed back in the garage, back out and started- first turn of the key- unlike overhaulin'! Those guys need notata! Also got frame connectors welded in, ground and painted, emergency brakes reconnected and dash gauge cluster finished. This is florida, where we work in the summer and drive in the winter, fwiw.

[NOT A TA]

Car is about ready to get painted. It's been a little over a year to go from a unibody shell to a drivable car with 50-100 miles on it (even without a windshield!).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/002_zpse64603d0-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/002_zpse64603d0.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/005_zps64738eec-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/005_zps64738eec.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/004_zps70927767-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/004_zps70927767.jpg.html)

[rlodad]

And i got the speedo working, needle at 0 at idle. Odo reset to zero. (Well, now it has about 4 miles on it). Clock OTOH, has lost 4 hours in 2 weeks. I'll have to figure that one out. Thanks to John's help (a lot of it!) the gas, oil, temp and amp meters all work, as do the speedo and tach. Not easy to do on a 40+ year old car.

[rlodad]

And I got the speedo working, needle at 0 at idle. Odo reset to zero. (Well, now it has about 4 miles on it). Clock OTOH, has lost 4 hours in 2 weeks. I'll have to figure that one out. Thanks to John's help (a lot of it!) the gas, oil, temp and amp meters all work, as do the speedo and tach. Not easy to do on a 40+ year old car.

[NOT A TA]

Finally getting around to updating this. Rlodad decided a few months ago to paint it himself in a makeshift home booth. Most of my work is done for a while so it's up to him to give updates as he works on the the interior etc. he's doing himself.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/005_zps1a1bd528-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/005_zps1a1bd528.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/01/007_zpsbbb48a28-1.jpg (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/NOTATA/media/Brads%2069%20Camaro/007_zpsbbb48a28.jpg.html)

[rlodad]

I continue to finish the car, this time a shoutout to Jay/Jason/Spain and the rest of the crew at Budnik Wheels. I got my 17" laterals cleared and polished, so now they're finally on the car. I had been sticking to the resto-mod theme, but the Pro-Touring bug has me changing my mind. I still have the 16" rallys if anybody knows anyone who needs some. They are 8" with 245 50 16s on all 4.

103194

[1969fbird]

Nice job. Looks great

[Bob in St. Louis]

That is VERY clean. Well done!

[rlodad]

Thanks! Top is on, still too hot to enjoy in South Florida with top down (especially with an impending hurricane), but our season- winter- is getting closer.

[rlodad]

Well, no project is ever done, but the last bits and pieces are coming together despite the inhuman weather here in South Florida. The Vert top is on except for the front bow trim that I have (temporarily) misplaced. I continue to try to get spring height correct on the DSE Speed Kit 3. The coilovers have to be taken out of the suspension to adjust them, and height and ground clearance is nearly impossible to adjust well. Frankly, at this point I would recommend going with another big name in front suspension if you are looking to do a '69 Camaro- ridetech, speedtech, chassisworks or BMR come to mind. If the DSE folks had put half the time into properly engineering their speed kit coilovers and customer service that they do racing their own cars, they would have a much more loyal customer base and better product. I think many of their products are good from what I hear, but not the speed kit 2 or 3. The only answer they have for us is "Why didn't you buy a hydroformed subframe?" $5000, that's why. As soon as I get a free weekend, I'll disassemble the front suspension again and try to reset the ride height so I can get over railroad tracks, but still have a semi-compliant ride.

Enough bitchin' here's some pics with the top on:

116874


116875

[Rag-Rat]

Nice car. How do you like the engine ? I have my ZZ383 still in the crate waiting for "THE" day.

[rlodad]

Nice car. How do you like the engine ? I have my ZZ383 still in the crate waiting for "THE" day.

Love it. Get the day here already!